My Favorite Races

Close to two years ago I blogged about my top four races in Hawai'i. You can read more about those HERE. Fast forward to today and three of those four races still exist. One, The Wahine Half Marathon, left the islands. If by chance it were to return, I truly feel I would sign up for it again! Why? Because it was a fun race, a good distance, and it was a mini racecation for my family and myself.
Racing is motivating to me. I set goals for myself and focus on training throughout the year even if I am in the off portion of my training where I am not pushing myself quite as hard. Think of it as a nice recovery training phase to ensure I stay connected to the joy of running.
And racecations are a great way to race if you have the time and resources to tie your dream race into a family vacation. With that in mind, and the fact that I live in "paradise" I figured I would highlight three races that I still love.
Race 1: Run & Walk for the Whales
Distance: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2.5 mile walk
Where: Maui starting and ending at the Harbor Shops at Ma'alaea
When: January/February annually
Why do I recommend this race? It is hosted by a local non-profit, Pacific Whale Foundation, that is commited to protecting our oceans through science and advocacy. I must add I am biases as I work for the non-profit and I am the race director. It is a lot of fun and your registration fees go to the research, education, and conservation efforts of Pacific Whale Foundation. There are medals three deep for overall winners and three deep for the age divisions. The course is flat and fast but the local winds can get a bit breezy! In 2014, the race drew just over 700 participants.
Race Report: This is from 2012 on the old course as this was the last year I ran the course.
Race 2: Maui Marathon
Distance: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Front Street Mile, Warrior's Challenge
Where: Maui
When: September annually
Why do I recommend this race? It is hosted by the local running club, Valley Isle Road Runners. It has a distance for everyone but I do have to be honest. The course can be hot! On the bright side, race time has been moved up 30 minutes earlier this year so perhaps things will get better! But even if it is hot, the views are absolutely wonderful and the support along the course is getting better each year! I even love just driving to that side of the island and turning this race to a little racecation on my home island. The marathon is a point-to-point course so plan your transportation well. The number of marathoners is small. There is a shuttle to get marathoners to the start from the finish; however, last year the shuttle to get marathoners back to the start who parked there didn't show.
Race Report: This is from 2013.
Race 3: Honolulu Marathon
Distance: Marathon
Where: O'ahu
When: December annually
Why do I recommend this race? Because I PR'd there and reached the goal I had been chasing for three years!!! Okay, not really but yes, that does play into it. But honestly, I love this course. I love running through the Christmas lights. I love the huge number of runners. I love the amazing number of volunteers. And who can not love the glimpse of the elites running back past you when you are still heading out to the turn. The course is a loop that starts and ends in Waikiki, but not at the exact same spot. Plan your transportation to take this into account.
Race Report: This is from 2013.
Stay tuned to hear more about races others recommend to be posted thoughout the next few weeks. In the meantime, why not comment with your own race recommendation?!
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful to those who submitted race recommendations.
Daily Affirmation: I am a source of knowledge.